Can Heat win a title with Wade not 100 percent?

Dwyane Wade is not going to miss Game 6. He can't miss Game 6. He won't miss Game 6. That was clear from the moment he stepped to the podium after the Heat fell behind in a series for the first time in this season's playoffs. Now, the Heat find themselves just a game away from elimination. Wade made it obvious right from the get-go that the hip contusion that held him to 34 minutes, which is still a good amount of time for any NBA player, will not limit him from playing when the series shifts back to South Beach. Wade considered it a non-starter after the game.

"You know I'm not going to do that. I don't talk about injuries. It was unfortunate I had to leave the game. But I came back and I finished it."

Wade also said he could play even if he's not 100 percent, referencing the same was true in Game 5 Thursday night.

But without a fully healthy Wade, who has helped carry the Heat in this series, and with the Mavericks seemingly having "figured out" LeBron James enough to withstand his scoring, and with Dallas effectively swarming Chris Bosh on each possession ... well, things are stacking up against the Heat.

Wade said he felt confident in both his teammates and himself, but Wade's explosiveness has worn down. Just as James seems worn down by the heavy-minutes and long season, Wade seems to similarly lack his earlier explosiveness. Everything is difficult, everything is inches.

With an injury compounding issues, the Mavericks having completely stolen momentum, and exhaustion settling in while the Mavericks' offense has finally broken out, the question has got to be asked.

Can Heat win a title with Wade not 100 percent?

Yes, if Wade is truly hurt, then there is no way they come back... but to say that is why they lose this series is a grave insult to the Mavericks and their tenacity. Dirk and the rest of them have been the better team for most of the series, showing more poise both in overcoming huge defecits when all looked lost, and also time after time in the 4th quarter in close games. If you want to say Wade's injury is th reason why they can't overcome the 3-2 defecit, then fine... but don't act like that is the reason they are in that hole to begin with. The hip isn't what will cost them the series.... it's just one of many factors. It isn't comparable to the Knicks losing both Stoudemire and Billups in game 2 against Boston- Amar'e wasn't the same after that, and Billups was done. That is a case of injuries being the main reason for the loss- this is not the same.

Since: Aug 26, 2009

Posted on: June 11, 2011 11:54 am

Can Heat win a title with Wade not 100 percent?

He won't miss Game 6. That was clear from the moment he stepped to the podium after the fell behind in a series for the first time in this season's playoffs

This isn't the first time the Heat have been behind in the series. They were down 0-1 to Chicago.

Since: May 10, 2011

Posted on: June 11, 2011 10:24 am

Can Heat win a title with Wade not 100 percent?

I watched the video of Wade and his sidekick covering their mouths with their t-shirts. Rather childish behaviour and when the game took place it included a cosmic payback in the form of a bruised hip (along with a 4th quarter butt whoopin'). What this team needs is Phil Jackson... maybe not as coach but as a spiritual mentor.

Since: Dec 25, 2008

Posted on: June 11, 2011 8:05 am

Can Heat win a title with Wade not 100 percent?

Funny how the Mavs can win a game with Dirk having a 101 degree fever, and the team with 3 all-stars is getting excuses made because one of them has a bruise. Really? Dude lead the team in scoring in game 5. I think he's fine.

Since: Apr 10, 2011

Posted on: June 10, 2011 3:25 pm

Can Heat win a title with Wade not 100 percent?

"Anyone else the video of Dwayne and LeBron fake-coughing between games 4 and 5, making fun of Dirk being sick?"

I saw that this morning and I thought that was one of the most classless things I'd ever seen. It's funny how they were making fun of a guy who lit them up for 10 points in the 4th quarter and scored the game winning basket with a 101 degree fever. They think they're so great and are above everyone else. I don't think they'll be joking around any time soon once the Mavs beat them to win series.

Since: Jul 7, 2007

Posted on: June 10, 2011 2:23 pm

Can Heat win a title with Wade not 100 percent?

Anyone else the video of Dwayne and LeBron fake-coughing between games 4 and 5, making fun of Dirk being sick? And now he wants a medal for being tough and finishing the game? Just because you show up on the court, doesn't mean you finish it. Dirk and the Mavs TEAM showed how you finish!

Since: Sep 16, 2009

Posted on: June 10, 2011 12:52 pm

Can Heat win a title with Wade not 100 percent?

Wade's explosiveness hasn't been dwindling, but if he really is hurt, then the Heat are done .

Since: May 13, 2011

Posted on: June 10, 2011 12:41 pm

Can Heat win a title with Wade not 100 percent?

to add insult to injury this moron riley made a sign and trade with the old teams of james and bosh and surrendered number 1 draft choices just so he could add another year and more money to their outrageously large contracts nice move bone head riley considering they were going to sign with you anyway you didnt have to do a sign and trade

Since: Dec 7, 2010

Posted on: June 10, 2011 12:10 pm

Can Heat win a title with Wade not 100 percent?

you must be some kind of idiot. Of course, Wade, Bosh, and James are tired. They are averaging 43 minutes a game during the postseason. Oh, the old guy Kidd, only been averaging 14 to 17 minutes. The difference between Dallas and Miami is this. Miami has three players that think they are the only ones who can win a game a game. Dallas doesn't have that. Dirk does not have to play 40-45 minutes a game to win. Wade, James, and Bosh averaged about 38-40 minutes a game during the regular season. All the Heat fans are upset that there will not be a victory parade tomorrow. Instead, there will be a game 6 on Sunday. You know what they say about paybacks.................